Book clubs are fashionable these days and there are so excellent reasons for joining a book group, no matter what your age! Jan Pierce, an educator and avid reader has compiled some very compelling reasons for you and your child to get hooked on book….clubs!
The Call to Read
Book discussions are a chance to step outside the usual activities of the day and “live” in another world created by the author. If you’re interested in being a lifelong learner, this sort of discussion is healthy for you.
For the Kids
Kids greatly increase their reading comprehension skills and their enjoyment of the reading process when they engage in discussion related to the nuts and bolts of a book.
Social Aspects of a Book Club
Book groups offer a sense of belonging and fulfill a desire for regular social interactions with people of similar interests.
- You may be stretched to read books you would never choose on your own.
- You may hear ideas that would never have entered your mind when reading alone.
- Book discussions bring out strong opinions, encourage personal openness and provide a lot of laughter and camaraderie.
For the Kids
Book groups offer a sense of belonging and fulfill a desire for regular social interactions with people of similar interests.
- With guidance and the proper questions they can enter into book discussions and begin to form opinions on what they like and dislike.
- They benefit from hearing the ideas of other kids and get some valuable practice in expressing their ideas and opinions in a group.
- They enjoy exposure to a wide variety of writing.
Reading with a Purpose
A third reason to belong to a book club is the motivation they provide to keep reading.
For the Kids
Guess what? Kids enjoy reading more when they read with a purpose. They love to talk about the ins and outs of the chosen story, maybe changing the ending or writing themselves into the plot.
What Next?
If you aren’t in a book group, find one or form one fast! Go online to search for groups near you or invite friends to gather on a regular basis to read great books. For kids, form a moms/dads and kids group to read great children’s literature together.
With summer just around the corner… Grab a book, a blanket and some friends. Head out to your favourite park for great discussion, snacks and sunshine!
